01 June 2021

Malignant fungating wounds (MFWs) arise in 5–10% of all cancers. These wounds are distressing for patients, their families and caregivers, with both physical and emotional symptoms impacting greatly on quality of life. Symptoms include severe pain, bleeding, depression, malodour and negative body image. MFWs present considerable challenges in the application and retention of dressings. These wounds deviate from the normal healing trajectory and the theory of wound healing is not always appropriate; they may expand and progress during the terminal stages of a patient’s life. This article discusses the challenges of treating and managing MFWs and presents some practical solutions to the major symptoms. It also looks at dressing choice and pain management — including pharmacological and topical treatments — managing malodour, as well as assessing and addressing quality of life.

22 May 2015

Statistics suggest that one in four adults are obese, and up to 33% of school-aged children are overweight or obese (National Obesity Forum, 2015). Thus, on a daily basis, it is likely that general practice nurses (GPNs) will engage in consultations with patients who are overweight or obese, quite often while presenting for advice for another condition. This article explores how to broach this sensitive issue and the GPN’s role to reduce weight stigma in line with the new Nursing and Midwifery Council Code (NMC, 2015). Practical advice for GPNs to support patients in managing their weight, and identifying appropriate onward referrals, including for bariatric surgery and eating disorders, will also be discussed.

01 February 2016

In each issue of the Journal of General Practice Nursing we investigate a topic currently affecting our readers.

Here, Amanda Andrews, programme lead in undergraduate nurse education, Education for Health, looks at how GPNs can support people with multiple sclerosis

24 November 2015

In each issue of the Journal of General Practice Nursing we investigate a hot topic currently affecting our readers. Here, Pete Lane, clinical lead, Advanced Training Practice (ATP) Scheme, looks at the falling numbers of first generation general practice nurses and makes...Three wishes to secure the future of the GPN workforce

02 October 2017

In each issue of the Journal of General Practice Nursing we investigate a topic currently affecting our readers. Here Lynne Bowers, independent health and care advisor, looks at resilience and asks "What it means for general practice teams".

Resilience has become a ‘tainted’ word associated with well-intentioned (or otherwise) taught sessions foisted upon bewildered staff.

01 June 2021

Here, Joan Gracie, talks about the importance of addressing blind spots in preconception health and why she wanted to get involved in the Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland’s (QNIS’) new programme, Healthier Pregnancies, Better Lives, to support women to better prepare for pregnancy.

10 July 2023

Like type 2 diabetes, developing prediabetes is a growing and concerning trend; affecting around 15% of the population. If not kept in check, it commonly progresses to type 2 diabetes. Certain population groups are at risk, such as African-Caribbean, as are those who experience certain medical conditions, such as gestational diabetes. Although blood sugar levels do not reach the level of type 2 diabetes, living with prediabetes does increase the risk of diabetes complications. Yet, individuals often do not realise that they have the condition. Insulin resistance is present in prediabetes so preventing this from developing means preventing insulin resistance from occurring. Diet and lifestyle can halt the progress of this disease and it can be reversed. Weight loss is key, as is eating a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet. Physical activity can also help to offset prediabetes and this should include resistance training as well as aerobic exercise. It is a growing trend in younger adults not normally associated with developing this condition, and so it is important that prediabetes is identified to prevent the longer term health consequences.

01 September 2021

The influenza immunisation programme in the UK started in the 1960s and has since been extended to offer protection to those groups most vulnerable to the infection. The extension of the programme to children aims to directly protect them and reduce transmission of the virus to those around them. General practice nurses (GPNs) are among those most trusted in informing and reassuring parents about the benefits of immunisation. This article will primarily describe arrangements for the flu immunisation programme 2021–22 in England. The programme is, of course, delivered in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales and there may be subtle differences in programme delivery in the devolved nations. Nurses working in countries other than England should ensure that they are following relevant guidance specific to the area in which they practice (Scottish Government, 2021; Public Health Agency Northern Ireland, 2021, and Welsh Government, 2021).

22 September 2015

Diabetes care takes up around 10% of the total NHS budget (Diabetes UK, 2015), and as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) makes up around 90% of all diabetes, it could be argued that prescribing for this largely preventable condition is the main culprit responsible for these costs. However, most of the money spent on treating diabetes is for managing its complications (Kerr, 2011). The key to preventing these complications is through effective prescribing aimed at reducing them. Possibly as a result of more clinicians thinking this way, prescribing costs for diabetes have been rising steadily (Health and Social Care Information Centre [HSCIC], 2014). So, how can clinicians be sure that newer and more expensive therapies are both clinically and financially effective? And crucially, how do clinicians ensure that patients are kept at the centre of all consultations and are fully involved in the decision-making process?

05 December 2023

One of the most prevalent challenges associated with tackling malnutrition is the misunderstanding that surrounds it leading to this condition going unrecognised and untreated. Malnutrition can commonly be incorrectly understood as an inevitable result of the aging process, or a problem only faced by those living in the most extreme poverty. However, it is acutely important to understand that malnutrition caused by disease and illness is a widespread problem in the UK, and nurses can and do play an important
role in identifying and managing malnutrition in their patients, clients or service users.